After redshirt junior James Brockermeyer’s sudden, post-spring transfer portal exit, Alabama Football is extremely deficient at a key position.
Alabama struggled at center throughout the 2023 season. Veteran Seth McLaughlin’s difficulties were well publicized, but what was more concerning was the coaching staff’s lack of trust in anyone to replace him. McLaughlin has now left through the portal, as have his top two backups, Brockermeyer and Terrence Ferguson.
Coach Kalen DeBoer added Washington transfer Parker Brailsford to the roster, giving the team a starter. Though James Brockermeyer appeared to be on the rise throughout spring practice, his move indicates that Brailsford is more likely to win the position.
As a result, Alabama has no demonstrated depth at the position going into 2024. Where can the Crimson Tide get answers?
The only two options this late in the offseason are a portal addition and some rapid development. The portal addition would be a tough ask; the spring has already just about come and gone, and the Crimson Tide would most likely be looking for a player that doesn’t mind sitting behind Brailsford for at least a year.
Creating a quality backup will not be easy either. Redshirt freshman Roq Montgomery, as well as true freshmen Casey Poe, Joseph Ionata, and William Sanders, are all prospects to fill the position, but none have prior experience.
It will be challenging to get these young players significant reps while also adjusting Brailsford, who missed the majority of the spring practice time. His strange absence, which Coach DeBoer has consistently claimed is unimportant, may be a big setback as Alabama attempts to establish its center position.
